This week everyone is talking about the Eurovision Song Contest. Like Christmas and birthdays, it comes around once a year and, although it’s not kicking off until 21st May in Vienna, the big news is that Australia is to join the competition. ‘Australia? Which part of Europe does it fall into?’ we hear you say. Good question.
To celebrate the Euro-pop fest’s 60th anniversary The European Broadcasting Union have invited the Australians to join the stage and bring the total number of represented countries to 40.
The Aussies love the show and are super-excited to be taking part. Despite being fast-tracked to the final, they will be given voting powers in both semi-finals, as well as the Grand Final.
Alongside a professional jury, possibilities are currently being explored to allow the public to have a 50% stake in the Australian vote via tele-voting. But what happens if they win? Their participation is intended as a one-off, but in case of a victory, Australian broadcaster SBS would co-host the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in a European city. Australia would be allowed to send a participant along to defend their title. So there’s potential for this one-off appearance to become a regular gig if they keep on winning.
It’s not actually the first time the Australians have snuck into the competition. Previously they have competed representing the UK – including the New Seekers, Gina G and Olivia Newton John – who lost to Swedish pop sensation Abba in 1974. It’s still to be decided who’s going to sing for Australia, but how great would it be to see Kylie and Jason re-unite for a duet. We wait with baited breath.
It’s nice to see a bit of change to the rather tired old format, and considering we share the same Queen, language and love of Neighbours, perhaps Australia will vote for us. After all, no one else does.